MHS Orchestras Perform at The Kennedy Center

MHS Orchestras Perform at The Kennedy Center in DC

Posted on 04/23/2018

Mason High School’s Symphony Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra recently performed at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Two Mason ensembles performed at the Capital Orchestra Festival, a concert that is organized for President’s Day weekend every year, and includes select orchestras from across the country. To be selected, an orchestra must submit both an audio and video recording from a performance demonstrating the skill level and musical artistry of the ensemble. Jones submitted recordings and videos of both the Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestras last March to be selected for this year's performance.
Other ensembles that performed included Natchitoches Central High School Chamber Orchestra from Natchitoches, Louisiana; Newport High School Philharmonic from Bellevue, Washington; and Central Washington University Symphony Orchestra from Seattle, Washington.
MHS Orchestra Directors Stephanie Jones and Brian Frey especially appreciated their students’ reactions to performing in such an iconic venue.
“The students will never forget walking onto this infamous stage and the experience of performing in such an amazing venue,” shared Jones. “So many legendary musicians and artists have taken this stage before them and will do so for generations to come. Our students can now say, ‘I performed on that stage once.’”
In addition to rehearsals and the concert, the Mason contingent, including orchestra staff and parent chaperones, enjoyed touring our nation’s capital. Highlights included visits to the many monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C., along with tours of the United States Capitol Building, Library of Congress, Smithsonian Museums, and Holocaust Memorial Museum. The trip to Arlington Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was particularly meaningful for the group. Four students - Noelle Champagne, Victor Chen, Ryan Greensfelder, and Catherine Xu - were selected to lay a wreath from Mason High School at the Wreath Laying Ceremony.
“The students worked so hard towards preparing for this rewarding musical experience, but also learned so much about our nation's capital by being able to explore the area,” added Jones. “It was a perfect trip, both musically and educationally!”